Harvesting Sunshine - Making Dandelion Jam

In gardening circles, dandelions are often dismissed as pesky weeds. But we know their pretty faces are brimming with health-supporting properties and charm. When I see dandelions, I think of fun times spent picking them with my kids. Admittedly, it starts with visions of skipping through fields with baskets and in reality, sometimes ends with sobs and squabbling over who gathered the most flowers! Still, it's a cherished and straightforward activity, and with five of the darlings, I’m all for simplicity! 

Making dandelion jam is a fantastic way to turn their bright blooms into something delicious. One of my dearest friends, Stephanie, introduced me to this recipe, which is easy to remember and perfect for getting the kids involved.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of dandelion petals (that's about 200 flowers)
• 4 cups of water
• 4 cups of sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons

Instructions

1. Go on a sunny day adventure and gather those dandelion petals. Get younger kids to count the flowers as you go along - fun and educational (I promise you’ll have a ‘winning at parenting’ moment!)
2. Once collected, rinse the petals well under cold water to remove any dirt or bugs.
3. In a big pot, mix the dandelion petals and the water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid through a sieve, pressing the petals to squeeze out all the goodness.
5. Put the strained liquid back in the pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar melts.
6. Turn up the heat a bit and let it boil until it thickens up, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Keep stirring!
7. When it's done, let it cool before putting it into clean, sterilized jars. Then pop it in the fridge. When appropriately stored in sterilized jars and kept in the refrigerator, dandelion jam can last up to several weeks, typically around two months. However, before consuming, it's always a good idea to check for any signs of spoilage.

Now, you're probably wondering, what does dandelion jam taste like? Like honey, it is delicious! It has a lovely, subtle floral taste with a touch of citrus from the lemon. Spread it on toast biscuits, or even stir it into your tea for a sweet treat.

So, next time you see those dandelions popping up in your yard, don't just see them as weeds. Embrace their sunny disposition, enjoy their health-supporting properties, and make some jam!